[Combined topical therapy of psoriasis: position of calcitriol and vitamin D analogs]

Abstract

Most patients with mild to moderate psoriasis require--often longterm--topical treatments: this frequently results in non-compliance especially when large body areas or the face are treated. Monotherapy with anthralin has been abandoned to a great extent while new formulations of topical corticosteroids, vitamin D and vitamin D derivatives have greatly extended the spectrum of topical antipsoriatic treatment modalities. In most instances, combinations of preparations with different pharmacologic modes of action are superior when compared with the respective monotherapy. This also holds true for combinations with a UVB or UVA light therapy. Preparations containing both a corticosteroid and vitamin D derivative are well suited for combining topical treatment with modern systemic antipsoriatic drugs.